Disability vs Age: Is Medicare the Same for Each Group?

Many people want to know if Medicare is the same for people who are eligible due to disability verses people who are eligible when they turn 65 years old.

The Benefits are the Same

All Original Medicare benefits are exactly the same for people who are eligible due to disability or age. However, there are differences in eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for People Who Have Disabilities

Many people (beneficiaries) who have Medicare are eligible because they have turned 65 years old. But there are some people under the age of 65 who may also be eligible due to one of these conditions:

Qualifying Disability: People who have a qualifying disability may be eligible for Medicare. In order to qualify for Medicare, the beneficiary must first file for disability benefits through Social Security. Approval of the request by Social Security is an important first step to take before you can be considered eligible for Medicare.

After the beneficiary has received disability benefits from Social Security (SSA) or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) for 24 months, they will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare. Coverage will start the first day of month 25. For more information, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m., local time, Monday – Friday).

Lou Gehrig’s Disease: People who have Lou Gehrig’s disease, also called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), are also eligible for Medicare. The beneficiary will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as soon as the disability benefits begin. There is no waiting period for Medicare coverage.

End-Stage Renal Disease: People who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are also eligible for Original Medicare. However, beneficiaries with ESRD are not automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. To enroll, contact your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m., local time, Monday – Friday).

For more information, explore MedicareMadeClear.com or contact the Medicare helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.